GOP Downplays Trump-Musk Fight
Tensions between President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk have sparked headlines, but Republican leaders are dismissing concerns that it will hurt the party’s chances of keeping control of Congress in 2026.
The public spat escalated Thursday when Musk claimed Trump wouldn’t have reclaimed the White House without his help and floated the idea of launching a third party. He also warned he may back candidates opposing Trump’s legislative agenda—using his vast wealth and social media platform, X, to influence GOP politics.
Still, Republican lawmakers remain confident: President Trump’s influence remains the driving force behind the party.
“If you’re a Republican in a primary with Trump’s endorsement—even if Elon is against you—you’ll be just fine,” said Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY). “Trump outshines Musk by tenfold, maybe more.”
Trump’s Leadership Still the Anchor of the Republican Party
Musk, who poured nearly $300 million into the 2024 election, was the single largest donor that year. His political group, America PAC, supported President Trump and helped conservative candidates in dozens of competitive congressional races.
That PAC has remained highly active in Trump’s second term. It spent over $18 million on a major Wisconsin Supreme Court race earlier this year and released its first 2025 TV ad shortly after Trump’s powerful joint address to Congress—reinforcing its continued support for America First policies.
While critics seized on the Wisconsin race loss, Republicans note that 10 out of 18 GOP House candidates backed by Musk’s PAC won their races. His influence remains real, but it hasn’t shifted the GOP’s core: Trump’s agenda still defines the Republican movement.
GOP Leaders: The Party is Bigger Than One Billionaire
House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Musk’s past contributions but was clear about who leads the charge.
“Elon Musk was a big supporter, sure,” Johnson told CNBC. “But President Trump is the most consequential political figure in modern history. He led us to victory. We all helped, but Trump is the reason we hold the House.”
Johnson detailed his own role, citing over 360 campaign stops across 250 cities and 40 states—but emphasized Trump’s leadership as the backbone of Republican success.
Democrats Exploit the Feud—But Conservatives Aren’t Buying It
Democrats have been quick to pounce on the public disagreement, trying to frame Musk as the face of Republican elitism and portray the GOP as disconnected from average Americans.
“Elon Musk is just the latest excuse for Democrats to distract from their failures on the economy, border security, and rising crime,” said one senior Republican strategist. “They’re desperate to divide the GOP—because they can’t run on results.”
The left-wing strategy, according to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, is to claim Republicans prioritize “billionaires over working families.” But conservative voters—especially older Americans—know better.
President Trump’s record on cutting taxes, securing the border, rebuilding the military, and defending American values speaks louder than media noise or billionaire bickering.
Some Tension, But No Real Threat
While some inside the party acknowledge Musk’s massive online reach—more than 220 million followers on X—they say it doesn’t threaten the GOP’s unity or direction.
“Musk may raise debt concerns, and that’s a conversation worth having,” said a former Trump administration official. “But President Trump is focused on economic growth, not austerity. If Musk wants to back conservative candidates, great—but it won’t replace Trump’s leadership.”
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), a member of the House Freedom Caucus, agreed. “I don’t think this changes anything. Musk has done good work with government efficiency, and we appreciate his support. But Trump’s our leader, and that’s not in question.”
DOGE Subcommittee Chair Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) added: “Every donor matters—whether it’s a dollar or a hundred million. But these kinds of public spats don’t help. Take it offline and focus on what matters: saving this country.”
